Herceptin, bone pain

I had my herceptin yesterday. I was up all night last night with bone and muscle pain. It is really bad in my right hip but I do have the pain all over. I do worry that the cancer is in my right hip. I realize that it is extremely unlikely to recur while it is actively being treated but I sometimes have trouble not going there. The fact that I have pain all over, although less intense, does give me some comfort. I think it is unlikely that I could have it everywhere. I had a bone scan a year ago and there was no cancer. I think it is impossible that it could be everywhere in a year. Breast cancer is considered to be a slow growing cancer.

I have been told by my oncology office that bone and muscle pain is not really a herceptin side effect. However, I go on the herceptin web site and breast cancer.org and it seems most of the people are having the same issues. On the drug manufacturer's website it is listed as a side effect.

When I was getting my herceptin I had to get more appointments. The nurse told me I had to get herceptin until March. I kind of freaked. I told her the doctor told me it would end in December. Then she asked me when I started chemo. I advised her that it was December 7th. She asked me if I was sure. I told her I would bet she could ask anyone in the room when they started chemo and they would know the exact date for sure. A few women were nodding their heads. There are some things you know for sure and that is one. I am sure I will always remember the date my daughter was born, the date I was diagnosed with breast cancer, the date the chemo started and, for sure, the date it ended.

In the end she checked with the doctor and he said it should end in December unless there is some type of recurrence. If there is a recurrence I will need herceptin for the rest of my life. That would be the biggest bummer ever.

I have an appointment with the physician's assistant at the oncology office on Thursday. She is going to go over all my blood work, MUGA scan (they already told me it was normal) and a lot of other things.

On a positive note, my stepmother Betty is home and doing well. She is very happy to be home. Julianna is enjoying her new school. She is a little ray of sunshine, always happy and full of life. She really does keep me going.

Thanks everyone for all the positive vibes, good thoughts and prayers!!!